6 Peanut Butter Benefits You Probably Didn't Know
Peanut butter is a go-to snack for many people looking for a quick energy boost. Add it to fruit, put it on a sandwich, add it to a stir fry, or grab a quick spoonful on your way out the door. No matter how you use it, it's going to be tasty.
Did you know that there are actually a few peanut butter benefits? That's right; your favorite peanut butter recipes might actually be good for you (within reason).
While you might not benefit from a sugary peanut butter frosting (but don't worry, we won't judge), there are still health benefits of eating peanut butter as a part of a balanced and healthy diet.
Keep reading to learn all about why you should grab a spoonful of peanut butter for your next snack!
1. Healthy Fats
We've all been misled into thinking that fat is inherently bad, but it isn't true.
There are two kinds of fat: healthy fat and unhealthy fat. While you should always eat fat in moderation, peanut butter is actually full of healthy fats!
But what do healthy fats do for you?
Peanut butter contains monosaturated fats. These fats are good for your cholesterol, blood pressure, and more. They help your body run the way that it's meant to, and they may help you prevent certain kinds of diseases and illnesses (more on that later).
Trans fat and saturated fat are the fats that you want to keep sparse in your diet. While they're often good for tasty treats, they don't offer the same benefits as healthy fats (and they may actually cause health problems if you eat too much).
2. A Protein Boost
Do you get enough protein in your diet?
While the average American eats more than enough protein daily from meat and dairy, many people on plant-based diets could use some extra help. This is where peanut butter comes in to save the day.
Peanut butter contains up to 8 grams of protein in a 180 calorie serving. When you compare it to other snacks or spreads, they can't compete. Peanut butter is indeed calorie-dense, but those calories aren't empty.
Protein is essential for your overall health. It helps your body repair cells and builds muscle, and it helps children develop.
If you don't get enough protein, you may experience hair loss, brittle nails, and dry skin.
Bonus: that protein boost is a great way to stay productive while you're at school or work. When you don't have time to sit down for a full meal, get back on track with a spoonful of peanut butter.
3. Fat Loss
Again, peanut butter has many calories, but this doesn't mean that it's a fattening food. Peanut butter can help you lose weight when you combine it with a healthy diet and exercise.
Peanut butter is filling. Because of this, it keeps you feeling full for longer. When compared to other filling foods, the calorie content isn't high. Even two servings of peanut butter contain less than 400 calories, and they contain 16 grams of protein.
Because peanut butter has that protein that we mentioned before, it also helps you maintain and build muscle mass. This helps you lose fat while not losing muscle as a result.
Don't feel guilty when you add a spoonful of peanut butter to your day. You haven't ruined your diet!
4. Heart Health
Peanut butter may help you protect your heart from damage.
As we mentioned before, the healthy fats in peanut butter help to lower blood pressure and cholesterol. They may also prevent buildup in your arteries. The potassium in peanut butter also helps to keep everything at a healthy level.
When you keep your cholesterol and blood pressure low, it helps you prevent heart disease.
5. Skin Benefits
The protein in peanut butter helps your skin recover and stay healthy. While it won't replace a good skincare routine, it will help you improve your skin from the inside out.
Peanut butter also contains vitamin E. Anyone familiar with skincare knows that vitamin E is great for protecting skin and helping it glow. It may protect your skin from the free radicals that come from UV rays.
Free radicals cause oxidative stress, which causes the appearance of faster aging.
The lutein and fats in peanut butter may help your skin stay elastic. This prevents wrinkles and softens the look of fine lines. Your skin will stay softer and more supple.
6. Pregnancy Benefits
People who are pregnant reap extra benefits from eating peanut butter. Don't be afraid to satisfy your peanut butter cravings when you're eating for two!
Research suggests that people who eat peanuts and peanut butter while pregnant are less likely to have children allergic to peanuts. Peanut allergies are often debilitating, and they're one of the leading causes of fatal or near-fatal food-related allergic reactions.
While it's not a guarantee, you'll improve your chances of a peanut allergy-free child.
Peanut butter also contains 28 mg of folate. Folate is a necessary nutrient for people who are pregnant. It encourages healthy fetal development and prevents conditions such as spina bifida.
Reap the Peanut Butter Benefits Today
Looking for a healthy snack between meals? Put some peanut butter on apple slices or celery, and rest easy knowing that you're doing something good for your body.
There are enough peanut butter benefits to make peanut butter a healthy food. As long as you don't eat the entire jar (but hey, we won't tell anyone if you do), you'll have a nutrient-dense high-protein snack that won't break your diet.
Are you looking for some tasty nut butter to add to your snacks (or eat straight from the jar?). Check out our supply! From basic peanut butter to unique snacks, we have it all.